[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       IN RECOGNITION OF THE FROMM INSTITUTE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
University of San Francisco's Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning, 
which celebrates its 20th anniversary on May 6, 1995.
  Alfred and Hanna Fromm are a living example of the American dream. As 
a married couple fleeing Hitler's Germany in the 1930's, they came to 
this country as refugees, and reaped the rewards of their hard work. 
Alfred was instrumental in reviving a dormant wine industry in 
California following Prohibition, using his talents to transform 
Christian Brothers, and then Paul Masson, into world-renowned labels of 
wine. His distributorship, Fromm & Sichel, became the largest 
distributor of California wines in the world.
  Alfred and Hanna have never forgotten the needs of their community. 
They have involved themselves deeply and generously in the civic and 
cultural life of San Francisco. They are cofounders of the Jewish 
Community Museum, and have served on the boards and supported 
organizations as diverse as the opera and Amnesty International. Their 
dedicated service to the San Francisco community and the Nation is a 
model and inspiration for all.
  In 1976, Hanna and Alfred recognized the need to expand and enhance 
the then severely limited educational opportunities and options 
available to senior San Franciscans living in retirement. Together, 
they set to work to provide a suitable setting where retired members of 
the community could pursue serious academic study among their peers and 
under the tutelage of their peers, but with the resources of a modern 
great urban university at their disposal.
  Thus was born the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning. Thousands of 
seniors have enrolled in this ``university within a university,'' 
presenting 8-week, noncredit, academic courses three times a year. 
Courses span the disciplines of psychology, literature, philosophy, 
science, theology, history, art, music, politics, and creative writing.
  Mr. Speaker, Hanna and Alfred have received recognition and 
commendations from Presidents, Governors, and mayors. Yet, their 
deepest satisfaction comes from seeing their peers who enter the halls 
of the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning and continue the journey 
of learning through their retirement years. That may be the best and 
greatest legacy of these two extraordinary people, and on behalf of the 
Congress, let us join the entire San Francisco community in thanking 
Alfred and Hanna Fromm on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 
Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning.


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